Daylight Savings Changes and Your Computer

New Zealand Daylight Savings Changes and Your Computer

What happens when Daylight Savings dates are changed? Find out what could happen to your computer software and operating system.

• Computer Software
• Computer Consultants
• Mac Computers

New Zealand Daylight Savings changes and your computer
We all know that Daylight Savings mean longer days under the golden summer sun, but did you know that changes to Daylight Savings dates could mean headaches for your computer?

Daylight Savings date changes
A number of regions around the world have adopted an extended Daylight Savings period.  Any changes to Daylight saving dates in your time zone may cause problems with your computer.

What does this mean for my computer?
While your body clock is adjusting, your computer's internal timekeeper may also be getting confused and fail to make the time change on the correct date (usually this is automated). This problem may affect:

• Computer operating systems
• Servers
• Databases
• Business software
• Backup systems
• Hardware devices
• Mobile phones
• Other digital devices

Home and business users may face problems, as time-sensitive applications fail. For home users, this will mean your computer will show the incorrect time for the added Daylight Savings period. One of the most common problems encountered will be with Outlook, used by many businesses, organisations and individuals to schedule meetings and appointments. For banks, trading companies and travel businesses, the impact could be great, as business services are disrupted and schedules thrown out.

How can I make sure my computer is updated?
The good news, though, is that this problem can be easily fixed if users are pro-active in their approach to the issue.

Some new systems, including Windows Vista and Office 2007, have built in 'fixes' to cope with any date changes. Older systems running Windows 2000 and Windows 98 (which are no longer supported by Microsoft) will need to be manually adjusted. Get in touch with your IT professional today if you find that the time is incorrect and you don't know how to change it.

Here are some useful resources to help keep you informed on Daylight Savings changes:

• Official word on Daylight Savings changes from the Department of Internal Affairs
• Microsoft overview of Daylight Savings changes in New Zealand
• Microsoft information for consumers
• Microsoft information for IT professionals
• Microsoft guide to making Daylight Savings changes
• Software support and information from IBM
• Software support and information from Hewlett Packard
• Operating system support for Apple user

Looking for more information? Find New Zealand computer consultants in the NZS.com directory.

Do you want to write for NZS.com, New Zealand's top Web directory? We are looking for New Zealand writers for our unique new article writing program - whereby you can write and submit articles for our website, and you will earn 50% of the revenue from the advertising on your article's page. Check out the Article Authors homepage to apply now!

Technology images from Flickr: Sunset, Microchip and Cable.